As Nova Scotia’s legislature prepares to reconvene for the fall session, affordability is on every politician’s mind, no matter which party you are speaking to. Opposition parties are focused on making life more affordable for Nova Scotians, while the governing Progressive Conservatives are looking at a $1.2-billion debt and figuring out what they can to do on affordability while growing the overall the economy. The Liberals announced Wednesday they plan to introduce a bill that would remove the provincial portion of the HST on all food sold in grocery stores. Interim Liberal Leader Iain Rankin said the move would cost the province around $30 million in lost revenue but argues the savings for the average Nova Scotian family alone would make it worthwhile. “Everywhere we go, Nova Scotians are telling us the same thing: life is getting more expensive, and they need the government to do more,” said Rankin. “Families are paying more for their homes, their groceries and utility bills, and they are facing even more uncertainty because of the tariff war. The Houston government needs to be focused on what it can do here in Nova Scotia to make life more affordable.” But with just three MLAs, the Liberals – just like the official opposition NDP who hold nine seats – would need cooperation from the governing Progressive Conservatives, who hold 43 seats, to pass any of their legislation. So far, the Liberals haven’t had any luck getting their bills moved forward since the last election. Rankin said that won’t stop the Liberals from putting their legislation forward. “We’re not optimistic,” said Rankin. “But I think the more that we bring it forward and other opposition members speak about the affordable issue as being the biggest issue Nova Scotians are facing, that it will give the government pause.” Opposition Leader Claudia Chender echoed that idea and said the Nova Scotia NDP will continue to put forward solutions to major problems and are willing to work with the PCs to address the big issues, even if the PCs want to take all the credit. “We are very transparent about the proposals that we’re bringing forward. We don’t have any gotchas. We are bringing forward proposals to make people’s lives better,” said Chender. “And this is why I want to be really clear, that if the government took our bill and put their own name on it and passed it, we would vote for it in a heartbeat.” The NDP leader said they will bring legislation forward this session that will help improve the lives of women, by improving their access to health care. Chender said they have a bill that will cover the costs of birth control, hormone replacement therapy for menopause and cover the full cost of a cycle of IVF treatment. “We hope that the government will recognize that women have been told for long enough to settle for less,” said Chender. The governing PC party says they will focus on growing the provincial economy while doing what they can to make life more affordable, said MLA and government house leader Leader Brendan Maguire. But expect much of the PCs focus to be on developing natural resources, which is something the government argues is critical to helping pay for public services like health care. “We’re going to be focusing on the economy and ways to move Nova Scotia forward,” said Maguire. “Obviously what we do is impacted by what’s happening down south and the trade war that’s going on. And the premier’s working closely with the prime minister and we’re hoping to make some advancements.” While Maguire didn’t give any specifics around what kind of legislation will come forward this fall session, he signalled there will be a mix around affordability and economic growth. “Our main focus right now is growing the economy and ensuring that Nova Scotians have a future here,” said Maguire. “We don’t want to go back to a time where Nova Scotians have to move away. You know, pretty much my entire life growing up, people moved away to get a job.” That’s one point all three parties agree on – they want to see Nova Scotians able to build their lives and careers in the province. The fall sitting of the Nova Scotia Legislature begins Sept. 8. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
